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  • Jumia Nigeria opens new warehouse, 600 more Jobs

    Jumia Nigeria opens new warehouse, 600 more Jobs

    Jumia, a prominent e-commerce platform in Nigeria, officially inaugurated its new integrated warehouse and logistics network facility in Lagos.

    Sunil Natraj, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, thanked the Nigerian people—especially their partners, suppliers, and advertisers—during his welcome address. Nigeria was hailed as Jumia’s “home” and “main bedroom” as he emphasised the country’s potential.

    Read also: Jumia Nigeria to expand, consolidate-warehouses into one depot

    Why Jumia’s launch is impressive

    According to Natraj, Jumia invests heavily in its supply chain to make it more agile, quick, and proactive. Thanks to the new warehouse in Isolo, Lagos, which spans over 30,000 square metres and has 17,000 square metres of covered storage, Jumia will be able to expand its operations and provide every Nigerian with a broader selection of affordable products.

    Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, commended Jumia’s journey and impact on Nigeria’s e-commerce industry on behalf of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. She reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to supporting businesses and growth.

    According to her, this is a daring economic move towards the goal of faster, more reliable, and cheaper delivery of goods, which is essential for the expanding needs of the e-commerce industry. Initiatives like these, which boost the economy and create jobs for our people, have their proud supporters. Our local workforce will be even more robust thanks to the warehouse’s ability to generate many jobs and opportunities for skill development.

    How Jumia remains applicable to Nigerian

    During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Natraj reaffirmed Jumia’s commitment to providing Nigerians with authentic, reasonably priced goods without hidden fees. He reassured them that Jumia’s supplier screening process is thorough.

    According to Natraj, competition is good for Jumia because it increases the company’s credibility and gives customers more options to compare and choose from. Jumia is well-prepared to handle the demands of the booming e-commerce sector in Nigeria thanks to its investments in the supply chain and expansion plans.

    The new facility will improve Jumia’s supply chain capabilities, allowing the company to serve more customers across Nigeria faster and scale operations up quickly. First-mile transportation between different sorting centres and warehouses will no longer be necessary, dramatically reducing carbon emissions.

    Read also: E-commerce Copia to shut down due to unprofitability

    According to Sunil Raj, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, the company has revolutionised online shopping in Nigeria by bringing together customers and brands. People in outlying places who didn’t have many options when shopping online now have more options.

    Jumia will be able to fulfil its mission of being the go-to online shopping destination for Nigerians thanks to the investments made in its supply chain through the new warehouse.

    Customers can rest assured that the products sold on Jumia are of high quality and originality because the platform upholds good standards and projects an increase in job opportunities between 400 and 600.

  • How AI is replacing jobs, moulding the future

    How AI is replacing jobs, moulding the future

    Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a part of our daily lives in ways we might not even be aware of. It is changing our lives in ways that may be irreversible. Its effects are vast and varied, encompassing good progress and possible challenges.

    AI technology dictates our daily activities, even to the extent of how we constantly use our devices. Our phones or laptops are often our first stop when we wake up everyday. It is automatic and essential to our decision-making, planning, and information-seeking. AI is getting merged with all of these.

    Read also: OpenAI, Scale AI partners to advance AI technology

    AI Optimizes Jobs, Leaving People Behind

    The rise of AI is two-sided. While automating processes and increasing efficiency, technology also displaces workers, prompting concerns about widespread unemployment. This phenomenon, called “AI optimization,” is already affecting numerous businesses.

    Formerly, a big electronics factory in Shenzhen, China, hummed with human labour. Working like well-oiled robots, thousands of workers constructed complicated circuit boards. Instead, an unnerving quiet replaced that rhythm in 2022. AI-powered robots replaced 2,000 assembly line workers.

    AI promised faster, more precise assembly, increasing production and lowering costs, so the corporation chose it. The robots were efficient, accurate, and never needed breaks. Although the corporation welcomed its newfound competitive edge, the human cost was precise.

    A single mother of two, Li Mei worked at the plant for five years. Her skilled fingers could assemble intricate parts after years of practice. Due to their uncanny perfection, the robots rendered her capabilities obsolete. Li Mei, like many others, was uprooted by technology and lost her job.

    Though factory-specific, this narrative represents an increasing tendency across industries. AI-driven job displacement threatens retail cashiers replaced by self-checkout systems and travel agents replaced by AI-powered booking sites.

    The impact goes beyond money. A person’s identity, purpose, and self-esteem are frequently lost when they lose their job. Li Mei found herself juggling motherhood and reskilling, unsure about her future.

    An unavoidable march of technology must be supported by human sensitivity and a dedication to ensuring no one is left behind, as Li Mei and her colleagues demonstrate. Once we do so, we can use AI for good and create a future where technology enhances the human spirit.

     

    Mei’s suggestion depicts the need for a collaborative approach to the use of AI, but in this era of the rapid evolution of AI, there are indications of more job cuts in coming months.

    Jobs AI is Replacing and Why

    Industry experts predict that layoffs will persist into 2024 as tech companies pour resources into AI and expand their workforce.

    In case you were wondering, tracker layoffs.fyi reports that over 20,000 tech workers have lost their jobs thus far in 2024.

    As Google continues to invest more in artificial intelligence, CEO Sundar Pichai has warned workers that they may lose their jobs this year. Google cut hundreds of jobs in January as part of an effort to streamline operations and concentrate on its “biggest product priorities.” The company is now playing catch-up with Microsoft, which has integrated ChatGPT into Bing search, forcing Google to fortify its search engine with artificial intelligence features.

    According to Big Technology’s Alex Kantrowitz, companies are no longer in a zero interest rate environment. Businesses must now discover cost-cutting measures if they are to invest in this area. To offset the high costs of AI training and deployment, many companies are reducing their workforce.

    Earlier this month, hundreds of workers from Amazon’s video-streaming and studio divisions were let go. The company has been heavily investing in artificial intelligence. The company’s Audible audiobook division and Twitch live-streaming platform both had layoffs.

    On January 19, the cloud service arm of the e-commerce behemoth Amazon announced plans to invest 2.26 trillion yen ($15.24 billion) in Japan by 2027 to enhance the country’s cloud computing infrastructure, an essential component of artificial intelligence services.

    The tech industry isn’t the only one planning layoffs as it shifts its focus to AI-driven products and services.

    According to a regulatory filing last week, Vroom, an online used-car marketplace based in the United States, intends to close its e-commerce and used-vehicle dealership operations and concentrate on automotive financing and artificial intelligence services, resulting in the loss of approximately 800 jobs.

    As the language-learning app Duolingo shifts towards content creation powered by artificial intelligence, rumours circulated earlier this year claiming the company would lay off 10% of its contractors.

    As a result of global macroeconomic headwinds like high interest and inflation rates, consumers drew back on spending in 2022 and 2023, leading to mass layoffs. The layoffs may continue for some time.

    The Transformative Potentials of AI in African Tech Advancement

    In recent years, Africa has emerged as a hotbed of innovation, with technological advancements reshaping various sectors across the continent. At the forefront of this transformation is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which holds immense promise for Africa’s advancement and economic growth.

    AI has the potential to revolutionise key sectors in Africa, addressing long standing challenges and unlocking new opportunities for development. One area where AI can make a significant impact is healthcare. With limited access to medical resources and personnel in many regions, AI-powered diagnostic tools and telemedicine solutions can bridge the gap, enabling remote consultations, early disease detection, and personalised treatment plans.

    In agriculture, AI-driven analytics offer farmers valuable insights into crop management, soil health, and weather patterns, empowering them to make data-driven decisions that optimise yields and ensure food security. Additionally, AI-powered drones and robotics are revolutionising farming practices, from planting and harvesting to pest control and irrigation management, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

    Education is another sector poised to benefit from AI innovation. Adaptive learning platforms equipped with AI algorithms can personalise learning experiences, catering to the diverse needs of students and improving educational outcomes. Furthermore, AI-enabled chatbots and virtual tutors can provide students with additional support and resources, particularly in remote areas where access to quality education is limited.

    In the realm of entrepreneurship and job creation, AI has the potential to drive innovation and economic growth. Startups across Africa are harnessing AI technologies to develop innovative solutions in areas such as fintech, e-commerce, and renewable energy. Moreover, AI-driven platforms for skill matching and job recruitment are connecting job seekers with employment opportunities, fostering economic empowerment and reducing unemployment rates.

    Despite the vast potential of AI, challenges remain, including access to infrastructure, data privacy concerns, and the digital divide. Addressing these challenges will require collaboration between governments, private sector stakeholders, and civil society to ensure that AI technologies are deployed ethically and inclusively, leaving no one behind.

    As Africa continues on its path of technological advancement, AI stands as a catalyst for innovation and progress. By leveraging the transformative power of AI, Africa can overcome its challenges, unleash its potential, and chart a course towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

    Harnessing opportunities of AI

    Making use of AI to enhance business operations and results is one strategy to leverage the technology. AI may assist businesses in lowering expenses, improving efficiency, gaining customer insights, and coming up with innovative product concepts. AI, for instance, may automate routine and repetitive jobs like data entry, processing invoices, and customer support, freeing up human resources for more imaginative and strategic work.

    AI is also capable of analysing huge, complicated information to find hidden patterns and insights that can guide company strategy and decisions. Examples of these datasets include market trends, social media posts, and customer reviews. Additionally, by developing new goods and services that cater to the wants and needs of consumers, AI may foster innovation and difference. For example, AI may produce customised content, experiences, and recommendations for users, like the movie recommendations on Netflix, the music playlists on Spotify, and the shopping bargains on Amazon. AI may also generate new markets and solutions that provide consumers with value, safety, and convenience, such as digital assistants, self-driving cars, and smart homes.

    Utilising AI to improve people’s personal and professional lives is another approach to make use of it. AI has the potential to improve human capacities, support lifelong learning, and open up new career and leisure options. For instance, by offering individualised feedback, direction, and support, AI may assist people in developing their knowledge and abilities in areas like online learning, coding, and language acquisition. 

    By offering individualised guidance, coaching, and inspiration, AI may also assist people in achieving their objectives and aspirations in areas like wellness, fitness, and health. Furthermore, by offering connections, recommendations, and suggestions, AI can assist people in discovering new opportunities and experiences in areas like travel, entertainment, and socialising. AI has the potential to generate new professions and positions that call for human ingenuity, discernment, and empathy, such as data scientists, AI engineers, and AI ethicists.

     

    Contributors:
    Olalere modupe, Felicia Akindurodoye, Ibukun Bankole , Hauwa Ali

  • 5 Artificial Intelligence (AI) jobs to pursue in 2024

    5 Artificial Intelligence (AI) jobs to pursue in 2024

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is obviously not going anywhere. It’s changing the way we do things and is now used in a wide variety of industries and fields. Some worry that AI tools will eventually replace humans in the workforce, but those who seize the opportunities presented by the modern era stand to gain much more. 

    Opportunities for advancement in the field of artificial intelligence are numerous, as it is a dynamic and ever-changing industry. AI professionals are in high demand and can break into a wide range of sectors.

     Read also: Impacts Of Artificial Intelligence (AI) On Businesses

    If you aspire to join their ranks and stay ahead of the curve, here is a list of the top 5 AI jobs for 2024.

    Machine learning engineer

    Engineers specializing in machine learning study, develop and design the artificial intelligence systems that make machine learning possible. Existing AI systems are maintained and enhanced by them. 

    In data science teams, a machine learning engineer’s primary role is to facilitate communication and collaboration amongst the various members, particularly the data scientists responsible for creating the models used to construct AI systems. Their work includes creating machine learning systems, conducting tests and experiments, and analyzing data statistically.

    Average salary: $125,000 – $201,000 per year

    AI engineer

    Experts in artificial intelligence and machine learning develop software and infrastructure that businesses can use to increase output per employee and scale up current operations. Artificial intelligence (AI) engineers primarily work on creating infrastructure, procedures, and tools that can solve a wide range of practical problems. 

    Due to the enormous investment required for these processes, AI engineers can help bring costs down by training algorithms on large datasets. Businesses can benefit from the expertise of an AI engineer in many ways, including improved efficiency, higher profitability, and guidance with strategic planning. 

    Average salary: $136,620 per year

    AI product manager

    This position is very comparable to product managers in the marketing and sales departments. Managers tasked with developing AI products and services must outline both the product itself and the company’s overarching strategy in this area. They must also analyze customers and conduct market research. 

    From ideation to development, launch, and evaluation, these managers see AI products through their entire life cycles. It is believed that AI product managers will possess knowledge of AI technology and the AI market in addition to prior expertise in corporate marketing. 

    Average salary: $131,600 per year

    Robotics Scientist

    The job of robotics scientists, who frequently operate at the crossroads of AI and robotics, provides an example of a real-world application of AI. To make these systems smarter and more independent, they use AI methods.

    Most robots developed are actually for useful machines and software that allow us to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and decrease waste. Scientists may one day be able to build robotic systems that mimic human perception, reasoning, and behavior; however, given the rate at which technology is evolving, this is far from certain.

    Average salary: $116,000 – $188,000 per year

    How to make money as a digital writer in 2024

    AI Quality Assurance Manager

    Companies routinely test AI with their technical products and software. Artificial intelligence (AI) quality assurance managers are responsible for this, as well as helping to develop and administer tests to fix AI models’ and algorithms’ functionality and bugs.

    In order to make sure their AI systems run smoothly, they collaborate closely with data engineers, software developers, and quality assurance team members from different departments.

    Average salary: $95,000 – $151,000 per year

  • Artificial Intelligence will create more jobs

    Artificial Intelligence will create more jobs

    The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on contemporary economies is profound. Many of the tasks we are assigned will shift or possibly disappear entirely. 

    Experts predict that smart AI regulation would be necessary in light of this existential upheaval; after all, who could be against smart regulation? However, it’s unclear what forms, how to do them, or even why.

    A more thorough framing of the issue could be a good place to start. Perhaps easier said than done, as AI differs greatly from traditional technology advancement in many ways. Not that past technology revolutions don’t teach us anything useful. Consideration should be given to the so-called “lump of labour.”

    In economics, the lump-of-labour fallacy is undoubtedly the most extensively refuted, yet remarkably resilient, myth. The theory is that there’s just so much labour to go around. Jobs have to disappear if a quicker, less expensive method of completing this set amount of work emerges. That’s why machines are dangerous.

    Read also: ‘Africa’s creative industry on Artificial intelligence’ holds in Lagos

    The dynamics of the change

    Mechanised farming eliminated jobs in agriculture, industrial automation eliminated jobs in manufacturing, and now artificial intelligence is affecting workers in the service industry. As previously, the outcome will be widespread joblessness, as well as falling living standards and reduced incomes for large segments of the labour force.

    The last component, however, has always proven to be incorrect. Indeed, these historic economic shifts contributed to unemployment. Workplaces vanished, workers were uprooted, and victims were left to foot the bill. Nonetheless, overall employment continued to rise, and living standards did too. Why? Since the amount of effort required turned out to be infinitely extensible rather than fixed.

    AI will work in the same way. After this type of invention, there are two main routes to increased employment. The most alluring scenario is that AI increases sales for businesses. Their employees are more productive thanks to technology, but because their company is expanding more quickly than their employees’ output, they have to hire more staff members. 

    Not likely, you say? Think about the more likely scenario, which is that businesses profit more from just using AI to replace workers. Even so, there may be an equal number of newly created jobs in other companies that offer novel, potentially AI-enabled products and services.

    In other words, technology not only modifies the supply side of the economy but also generates new demand. The innovation that revolutionised agriculture and industries also opened up markets for completely unexplored products, which increased the quantity of labour required. Before many of those goods were on the market, it would have been impossible to even envisage them a decade or two earlier. I never would have imagined needing a supercomputer in my pocket twenty years ago. It was also difficult to predict many of the services that this technology has made possible. Many people today produce items and services I never would have imagined I would want for a high wage and a lot of work.

    In fact, our needs and wants don’t always determine the need for new jobs in many economic areas. When considered in this context, the fact that Yale University, for example, is reported to employ nearly as many “managerial and professional” administrators as undergraduates is almost encouraging. That is a very astounding volume of work being completed. But why limit yourself to one-to-one? Perhaps in a few more years, Yale will have two administrators for every student, all putting in a lot of effort and, no doubt, using artificial intelligence (AI) to do whatever they do.

    This line of reasoning makes two policy recommendations. One is to exercise caution when it comes to suggestions that encourage innovation to promote the creation of new duties rather than just automating the elimination of old ones. Numerous jobs we may desire or require are unpredictable; simple automation, when done partially or entirely, has the potential to generate new demands and, thus, new work. In general, innovation should be welcomed and encouraged rather than feared since, although it may temporarily “save labour,” it will eventually likely result in higher pay and living conditions.

    Artificial intelligence will revolutionize education, says ChatGPT CEO

    More on how AI will change employment

    Second, mitigating the effects of disruption rather than preventing long-term mass unemployment is the primary economic issue presented by AI. This makes the case for more robust safety nets, more capital ownership participation, reduced labour market frictions (pointless occupational licencing at the top of the list), and increased focus on vocational education. These are, for the most part, classic neoliberal treatments. They haven’t failed in the past because they aren’t qualified for the position; rather, it’s because their application was too timid.

    There is a genuine risk of wrenching dislocation because a wide range of service industries promise to adopt AI soon. The technology could encourage the immediate and ongoing reallocation of work more than its predecessors could. This should make instructional innovation the main focus. Early acquisition of one set of skills will no longer be nearly sufficient. People may be forced by AI to consider having many occupations during their working lives. Education systems are just now beginning to change. AI may assist as they work.

    “Microcredentials” are one innovation that is probably going to be essential if societies are to benefit from this shift. These are training modules that can be combined to create a “macro-credential” like a degree. They can also be used to indicate particular vocational abilities, which helps to facilitate job switching in the middle or late stages of a career. Companies and institutions will need to lead the charge in advancing the concept of lifelong learning, but public policy may support and facilitate their efforts, enhancing accreditation and assisting prospective students in locating suitable programmes.

    In the US, there is already an enormous array of options, which can be extremely confusing. Predictably, Singapore appears to have gone the furthest in adopting a more methodical and encouraging approach, which is the goal of the European Commission and others.

    Although the employment market is just one important area, AI presents many other difficulties. At least in one area, there are more reasons to be hopeful than concerned, and more effective policies might significantly increase the likelihood of success.

  • Spotify to cut 1500 jobs due to redundancy

    Spotify to cut 1500 jobs due to redundancy

    As part of its efforts to reduce expenses, the music streaming platform Spotify has announced that it will be laying off approximately 1,500 employees, which represents approximately 17% of its workforce.

    This is the third round of layoffs that the company has implemented this year. In January, the company let go of 600 of its employees, and in June, it laid off 200 additional employees.

    In a letter to staff, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek stated that the firm employed more people in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the lower cost of capital. He also stated that although the company’s output has improved, a significant portion of this increase is attributable to the fact that it has more resources.

    According to the corporation, the layoffs would result in costs of around 130-145 million Euros (£111-124 million) in the fourth quarter. The company also stated that the majority of the cash component of the charges will be documented in the first and second fiscal quarters of 2024.

    Read also: Spotify introduces free audiobooks for Premium subscribers

    In its pursuit to reach one billion subscribers by the year 2030, Spotify has made investments totalling more than one billion dollars to increase its podcast business, has signed up celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, and has expanded its market presence in the majority of nations across the world.

    The firm was able to turn a profit during the third quarter, which was made possible by the increase in prices of its streaming services as well as the growth in the number of subscribers across all countries. Additionally, the company predicted that the number of monthly listeners will approach 601 million during the holiday season.

    At that time, Ek stated to Reuters that the corporation was still concentrating on improving its efficiency in order to maximise the value of each dollar.

    As of Monday, he stated that a cut of this scale would feel significant in light of the recent strong earnings report and the profitability of the company.

    “By most metrics, we were more productive but less efficient. We need to be both,” Ek said.

    The commencement of layoff

    Monday will mark the beginning of the company’s process of alerting concerned personnel. In addition to receiving vacation money and healthcare coverage throughout the layoff period, employees will get approximately five months’ worth of severance pay.

    “We debated making smaller reductions throughout 2024 and 2025,” Ek said.

    “Yet, considering the gap between our financial goal state and our current operational costs, I decided that a substantial action to rightsize our costs was the best option to accomplish our objectives.”

    Nigeria ranks 2nd behind South Africa in Spotify Podcast listenership

    How HR will handle layoff

    Anyone who has ever been in a redundant situation will attest to the fact that it is never an easy situation. Anger, fear, uncertainty, and worry are just some of the sensations that accompany the process of redundancy. The function of human resources in this emotionally complex world is a challenging one because of the many feelings that accompany it.

    When you are a member of an HR team, regardless of whether you have a small group of individuals to assist you in navigating the redundancy process or thousands of workers, you will experience a wide range of emotions.

    That group of human resource managers will likewise be wondering what the future holds, but they will also be required to respond to an overwhelming number of questions and negotiate the behaviour of employees who are preoccupied with their worries and the constantly shifting news headlines.

    Considering that this is not the first time that Spotify has experienced layoffs in 2018, it is possible that morale among employees was already quite low.

    To deal with this situation, the HR department would accept that feelings will be intense. They should be familiar with the redundancy policy and look for resources to assist people who require assistance.

  • Nigeria begins N15bn Katsina airport expansion, targets 1500 jobs

    Nigeria begins N15bn Katsina airport expansion, targets 1500 jobs

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has set aside over N15 billion for the expansion of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport terminal in Katsina State. Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, made the announcement at the airport’s groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.

    According to Sirika, the terminal would generate approximately 1,500 new jobs, increase trade, and open up new opportunities in the state.

    The Aviation Minister, who also stated that the project would be completed within the next 12 months, stated that all of the necessary facilities, with the exception of the building, are already in place.

    Read also: Nigeria Allocates N2.6 Billion For Aviation Security

    Sirika responded to journalists’ inquiries shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony, saying:

    “More than 70% of the project’s required funding has been made available.”

    “The overall rehabilitation centre and fire truck maintenance cost about N14 billion.”

    “All of the necessary facilities have been acquired and are in place.” We’re only waiting for the building to be finished before we mount them.

    “We anticipate that the terminal building will be completed within a year.”The cargo centre costs roughly N1.4 billion, however there is a minor adjustment request.

    “That will be completed within the next six months.”The pavement will be completed in six months and will cost approximately N1.3 billion.”

    Katsina Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, was also present at the groundbreaking event and spoke.

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    More on the Katsina airport expansion

    Dr Bashir Gambo Saulawa, the state Commissioner for Land and Survey, commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Aviation Minister for delivering this development to the state.

    Masari stated that the airport blueprint, which has been deemed one of the best in history, will live on in the hearts of the people of the state.

    While noting that the project was allocated two sites, Governor Masari’s spokesman stated that individuals displaced as a result had been compensated and resettled.

    According to Saulawa, the state government has so far paid N230 million in compensation to beneficiaries who own the 110 hectares of land that the project partially occupies as part of its efforts to see the project through.